(a) An applicant for authority to use the title “soil engineer” shall submit at least four completed reference forms from individuals who hold or held current, valid, unexpired California licenses as civil engineers during the time of the applicant's experience. None of the references shall be related to the applicant by birth or marriage. At least two of these individuals shall be civil engineers who are or were actively engaged in the practice of “soil engineering.” Each civil engineer providing a reference shall clearly indicate areas of personal knowledge of the applicant's qualifying experience. Reference forms completed by civil engineers registered or licensed outside of California, in lieu of or in addition to California references, will be considered; however, the Board may require additional information as specified in Section 427.20(d). Reference forms completed by civil engineers registered or licensed outside of the State of California shall be notarized. Information submitted by references is confidential.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 427(a), a reference form shall be submitted for each period of qualifying experience” listed on the engagement record form for which the applicant desires credit.

(c) An applicant will be required to verify employment inclusive dates for each period of qualifying experience. Employment verification forms may be used for this purpose.

(d) Nothing contained in this section shall limit the authority of the Board to require that an applicant submit additional references, employment verifications, and other information pertinent to education or experience to verify that the applicant has met the minimum qualifications as defined in Sections 6736.1(a) and (c) of the Code and Sections 426.50 and 426.51.